Jess Brohier is sitting alone at Brooklyn’s Chez Alex — and she couldn’t be happier.
While she “does a lot of lunch with friends,” the 35-year-old photographer says that eating alone at a nice restaurant is a “form of self-care” for her.
“There’s something really nice about being present and enjoying the food you’re paying for and appreciating that you carved out time for yourself,” Brohier told The Post.
“Sometimes I just want to have a good time with myself,” she explained.
And while she’s the only one at her table, she’s definitely not alone.
A new survey conducted by restaurant reservation app OpenTable found that more and more people are proudly saying, “Table for one, please!”
Solo bookings grew 8% in the US this year, and about 60% of respondents – 68% for Gen Z and Millennials – said they had dined alone at a sit-down restaurant.
It’s part of a growing trend for “me time,” cited as the top reason consumers eat alone, according to OpenTable.
Sasha Davydova, 30, was doing just that when she walked into Quality Meats in Midtown alone.
“I remember being at that breaking point where I was like, I just want a steak. I don’t care. I’m going to get dressed and go get my prime steak. This will be my treat for myself. And so I did,” the tattoo artist tells The Post.
“Eating alone really opens up the world to me—to know that I don’t have to wait for someone else to do things.”
While it’s a nationwide trend to fly solo while eating, it’s even more prevalent in Gotham.
New Yorkers only dine out more than the average American, Lightspeed reported for The Post, with only about half (49%) admitting to grabbing a table for one.
Reasons range from self-care (31%) to wanting to try new places (29%) and needing a quick work lunch (27%).
“There’s nothing more empowering than eating alone in New York,” Michael Stillman, CEO and founder of Quality Branded, which operates Quality Meats, tells The Post. “You can do exactly what you want and you don’t have to negotiate your order with someone else. You own every part of your experience.”
Myka Meier, founder of New York-based Beaumont Etiquette, advises that no one should ever feel shy about going it alone.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed—in fact, it shows confidence and independence,” she says. “You’ll find that many people admire those who can dine quietly by themselves – it’s a real life skill.”
As for where to sit, Meier says to pipe up if your table feels isolated—you deserve the same prime seating offered to couples and larger groups.
“Avoid a table or seat where you’re facing a wall, and don’t be afraid to ask for another table if you’re brought to a table that’s not comfortable for you,” she says.
Most importantly, put the phone away. Never engage in loud conversations, and while “it’s fine to check in here and there,” she says you should be present and immerse yourself in the environment.
OpenTable CEO Debby Soo agrees that dining alone isn’t about movement.
“If you’re on your phone all the time, you’re not getting your money’s worth,” she tells The Post. “A nice sit-down meal where I can enjoy a special dish without interruption, there’s nothing like it.”
A table for one is also a good way to get a seat at notoriously hard-to-get-in restaurants, she said.
For those who don’t want to be the only unaccompanied diner, Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side, Midtown East’s Press Club Grill, BG inside Bergdorf Goodman, Palm West Side in the Theater District, and NoMad’s Bazaar by José Andrés pull reservations on many solo dining options on OpenTable.
Some options can also make you feel like royalty. Keith McNally’s famous Balthazar in Soho is offering all guests only a free glass of champagne and East Village vegan hot spot Avant Garden just expanded its popular “Table for One” experience, in which guests can take away 75 dollars for the best table in the house. a large banquet in a cozy corner — and a four-course meal “because of the extraordinary success”.
But for those too nervous to go alone, a seat at the bar is often open no matter where you choose.
NYC’s five best restaurants for a reservation for one, according to OpenTable
- Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side
- The Press Club Grill in Midtown East
- BG – Bergdorf Goodman in Midtown East
- Palm West Side in the Theater District
- Shopping by José Andrés in NoMad
“I’m a big fan of bar seating, it feels like you’re right in the middle of the action and you’re able to socialize with the bartender or the people around you if that’s your vibe.” Soo said.
Aidan O’Neal, chef/partner at hotspots Le Crocodile, Bar Blondeau and Chez Ma Tante, agrees that the bar is the best place.
“Whether I’m dining alone or with friends, the bar is the default setting,” he said. “Expedited access to the bartender and the bottles behind them can ease initial anxieties.”
He’s also adamant that no one should be staring at their phone, but “bring a book or a newspaper” in case you feel the need to occupy yourself.
Another fan of bar seating is George Tenedios, partner at Nizuc Restaurant, who says it’s the “ideal” way to “people-watch.”
7 commandments to eat alone
- Sit at the bar if you want small talk
- Try a hard reservation
- Don’t be on your phone
- Enjoy the atmosphere and people-watch
- Take a book or newspaper
- Choose a table with a view, and never facing a wall
- Don’t talk on the phone
“Eating alone in public,” he said, “definitely has its benefits in terms of meeting new people and networking with the people around you.”
In other words, starting the night alone doesn’t mean ending it this way.
“There’s nothing more New York than striking up a conversation with your neighbors at the bar,” Stillman noted.
And no matter what you do, said Carlos Quirarte, partner at Authentic Hospitality, don’t waste a second worrying about what others might think.
“Treat yourself and get over it,” he said. “Your whole night can change in New York – you never know who you’ll meet or where you’ll end up because of it.”
“This is New York, so technically you’re never alone.”
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Image Source : nypost.com